Ford announce return to Formula 1 to supply Red Bull with engine from 2026 season when new regulations come in

Updated 03/02/2023 at 15:47 GMT

Ford have announced their return to Formula 1 from the 2026 season during Red Bull’s car launch. The American manufacturer will be Red Bull’s engine supplier when new regulations are introduced from 2026. This year, Max Verstappen will be looking to become just the fifth driver to win a hat-trick of championships in the new RB19 which was revealed on Friday.

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Ford have confirmed their return to Formula 1 as Red Bull and AlphaTauri's engine supplier from 2026.

Ford were last involved in Formula 1 in 2004 and cited the sport’s new regulations in 2026, plus F1’s growth in the United States as key factors for their comeback.

Red Bull currently use a Honda power unit which is branded as Red Bull powertrains, which will be the case until 2025.

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The new partnership, called Red Bull Ford Powertrains, will last at least five seasons from 2026 to 2030.

“This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that began when my great-grandfather [Henry Ford] won a race that helped launch our company,” said Bill Ford, Ford’s Executive Chairman.

“Ford, alongside world champions, Oracle Red Bull Racing, is returning to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing Ford’s long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the world’s most visible stages.”

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner added: “It’s fantastic to be welcoming Ford back into Formula 1 through this partnership.

“As an independent engine manufacturer to have the ability to benefit from an OEM’s experience like Ford puts us in good stead against the competition. They are a manufacturer rich in motoring history that spans generations.

"From Jim Clark to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, the lineage speaks for itself. For us as Red Bull Powertrains to open the next chapter of that dynasty, as Red Bull Ford, is tremendously exciting. 2026 is still a while away but for us the work already starts as we look to a new future and a continued evolution of Oracle Red Bull Racing.”

The news was announced during Red Bull’s car launch in New York for their 2023 machine as they look to defend their drivers and constructors’ titles.

Max Verstappen will be looking to become just the fifth driver to win a hat-trick of championships.

“It’s going to be an incredible season," said Horner. "Our rivals, for sure, haven’t stood still.

“We are expecting Ferrari to be competitive, Mercedes will be there and some other teams could make some big progress as well.

“This time of year it’s all a big unknown and it’s a question of focusing on ourselves and doing what we can, then in Bahrain we will see everyone’s car and see have we missed something, have we not?

“Then we set off on this 23-race journey and there’s going to be highs and lows along the way but I think we are in a good place and are looking to continue that momentum from last year.”

The 2023 Formula 1 season begins with the Bahrain Grand Prix from March 3-5.